What do you think the most important element is in maintaining a long lasting relationship?

[WowwGirl]

Updates

1 y

I think laughter

[MrOracle]

Honest and open communication (instead of holding things in and building up resentment), as well as understanding that relationships by their very nature will require work and sacrifice at times - they aren't always going to be 100% easy and fun.

Those simple things would go a very, very long way towards making relationships a lot more healthy.

But I have to also mention here that most people today (and, yes, exceptions exist) do not pick relationship partners properly, so they set themselves up for failure. Most people today think they can pick a partner based solely on their level of initial attraction, caring nothing about that person's morals, values, or life-goals going in, and of course, that almost always leads to the relationship falling apart. If you don't choose a partner based on long-term compatibility, then you can't expect to have long-term compatibility.

[WowwGirl]

Hey buddy

[MrOracle]

Hiya.

[WowwGirl]

At what point are you too drunk to be 0n online?

[MrOracle]

Hmm... I'd say it's when you are tempted to get out your credit card and buy from infomercials, or when quitting your job to be a stuntman seems like a great plan... Lol.

[WowwGirl]

That's when I stopped last night

[MrOracle]

LOL.

[WowwGirl]

I loved the stunt man part

[worldscolide]

I would not know. I would never participate in one of those.

[worldscolide]

Holy crap..

I thought it said long distance relationship.

Long lasting relationships thrive on open communication, honesty, trust, and mutual respect.. Not to mention love, and intimacy.

[WowwGirl]

Dude lol

[worldscolide]

what can i say im on call this weekend, and i have been up since 4 am lol

[VIVANT]

🤣🤭

[WowwGirl]

That was hilarious

[WowwGirl]

You made my day

[Bethany22]

Insight and emotional maturity that helps in understanding the other person's perspective in order to understand that one's partner is not purposely trying to make you angry.

[MarkHrdman]

How would you describe insights into the perspectives of you in a way thats not going to upset you.
I thought you where doing so well until I seen that familiar face, clawing threw humanity

[OlderAndWiser]

The most important factor is the ability to avoid venting your anger in destructive ways, recognizing that preserving your union is more important than giving immediate vent to your spleen.

[burlen]

Positive communication: Research has consistently shown that communication is an essential component of healthy relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, couples who use positive communication, such as expressing affection and appreciation, are more likely to report relationship satisfaction and stability over time. Conversely, negative communication, such as criticism and contempt, has been found to be a strong predictor of relationship dissatisfaction and eventual divorce (Gottman, 1994).

Emotional intelligence: A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that partners with higher levels of emotional intelligence were more likely to experience higher levels of relationship satisfaction, intimacy, and trust. These partners were also better able to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner, leading to greater relationship stability over time (Brackett & Salovey, 2006).

Shared values and interests: A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples who share similar interests and values are more likely to experience relationship satisfaction and stability over time. Partners who are more similar to each other in terms of personality traits and values tend to have stronger bonds and a greater sense of connection, leading to a more fulfilling relationship (Botwin et al., 1997).

Commitment: Research has consistently found that commitment is a key predictor of long-term relationship success. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who reported higher levels of commitment were more likely to remain together over time, even in the face of relationship challenges (Rhoades & Stanley, 2014). Also, couples who prioritise their relationship and invest time and effort into maintaining it tend to experience greater satisfaction and longevity in their relationship (Stanley & Markman, 1992).

Physical intimacy: A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that couples who reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction and intimacy were more likely to report greater relationship satisfaction and stability over time. This suggests that maintaining a healthy and satisfying sex life can contribute to a stronger emotional connection and greater relationship satisfaction (Mark et al., 2011).

[johanmdsn]

Understanding followed by acceptance.

Relationships aren’t always fun, intimate, happy, or exciting. There will be plenty of tough times and plenty of fights. If you’re always chasing that high or looking for someone who makes you laugh or keeps you on your feet, then the chances are you will never be happy in a long term relationship as these things simply die down. However, if you’re looking for that one person you can spend the rest of your life with, understanding and acceptance are quintessential.

Understanding your partner’s needs as well as their values, boundaries, and personal qualities that makes them who they are then allows you to truly accept them for who they are. With acceptance comes appreciation, necessarily required to successfully navigate through difficult times and come out at the end of the road together. If you are able to truly understand and then accept your partner, you’ll likely find that you won’t have to search for anything more— opening up the door for a strong and potentially irreplaceable relationship.

[megabamse]

To not always be right even when you believe you are. To not measure your relationship to others. Accepting flaws and celebrate each other's big and small "accomplishments. To be able to work together on important things even when your mad with each other. Some issues can take time to solve, hang in there. Sometimes to just listen without judgment and action's. Never punish, never take things personal or do pay backs. Take your time to ask because assuming you know what's going on. Think before taking. Compliment each other. Be ok with not doing everything together all the time. Forget equality and deciding things in half. do what your good at or learn how to become good. Sometimes if your good at making dinner then you make dinner And the other takes the dishes. Learn to talk in turns, hear each other out and take timeouts if things get to intense, go for a walk to cool down or what ever helps you cool down. Don't be afraid of mistakes or emotional reactions. And finally the 75 25 rule. Go full in and go 100% with your partner 75% of the time. Keep 25% just to yourself to do what ever makes you happy all by yourself. Be open to new thing's, you think you know your partner, but give them a chance of they think of something new. Learn together, you teach them something and let them teach you something, or even together like dancing or what have you. Cuddle. Be fine with not doing anything sometimes, let's say one reads a book and the other games with headsets on, exist together without doing everything together. I'm rambling but that's some ideas i got about it.

[Anonymous]

Communication is considered one of the most important elements in maintaining a long-lasting relationship. It is important to communicate honestly and openly with your partner, expressing your feelings and needs while also listening to their perspective. Effective communication can help to build trust, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the emotional connection between partners.

Another important element is mutual respect. Each partner should feel valued and appreciated, and their opinions, choices, and boundaries should be respected. This can help to foster a healthy and supportive relationship.

Additionally, it is important to spend quality time together and engage in activities that both partners enjoy. This can help to maintain a strong emotional connection and bring joy and fun into the relationship.

Lastly, successful long-lasting relationships require effort, commitment, and compromise from both partners. It is important to work together as a team, support each other during challenging times, and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the relationship.

[Sunssong]

I think it's curtesy @WowwGirl I've built a who philosophy on this topic. However, if you were going to take one thing from the philosophy in an attempt to use to maintain a relationship it would be the ability to alter yourself on a chemical level. When I talk about my philosophy on this site that's the part I always leave out. If you don't have that part none of the other stuff matters.

[Gibbons44]

Not abandoning and not 'kicking'/abusing each other.

Many people are prone to wanting controlby coercion, be it abandonment or bullying when they don't get it that way - even if quite often they are themselves unhappy with their own goals and knee-jerking.

A few can stay kind and welcoming for the long haul and not kick any dust or get too fussy even during the difficult intervals/days of life. It takes both being caring of each other - little things included, to remain each other's and glad about it in the long run.

[Guccigabbana18]

I totally agree with laughter, but I'd add commitment onto there as well. Long term relationships can get a bit samey and boring after a while even if you're with the right person. So commitment becomes a conscious choice after all the honeymoon stages wear off.

I'd also add friendship onto that list. Friendship is the strongest foundation there is. Your partner should be your best friend above all things.

[fantasticass]

I agree, Laughter is a good quality to have in a relationship. ✌️🇨🇦

[serious]

Not one but there are many elements that are important.

1. No manipulative mind games. In an adult relationship there should be no place for any sort of mind games, no manipulation.

2. Mutual trust and respect.

3. Being understanding and supportive towards one another.

4. Communication between the partners to resolve any issues.

[AimeeKyle]

Good, clear communication, intimacy, sense of humor and a desire from both to be a supportive cheerleader to each other. (by the way, things aren’t equal in every aspect/task in your lives together-understand what each of you are good at, excel at it / be a good companion/teammate)

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

My late Paternal Grandma, was age 77, and she remarried my Step-Granddad, and they were married for 5 years he passed away in 1998 then she was friends with my late Grand-dads brother, but they never got married then he passed away. I think the most important element in maintaining a long-lasting relationship is building a relationship based on communication, love, respect, sharing, caring, etc.

[Horse-girl]

I think trust and being able to talk things out without turning it into an argument. Also like you said laughter, being happy together is really important. 😊

[ChiTown33]

2 things, trust and communication. Everybody changes over time. But with communication 2 people can take journey of change together rather than waking up one day on not knowing who that person is anymore. And if you love someone you have to trust them, otherwise there's no point to the relationship.

[VIVANT]

Honesty and compassion— laughter is an important runner up !!

[Cubus]

Discussing your views about marriage, children, family roles etc. before you get married.

Like: for one person marriage can be "x", but the other one can say :I don't agree with such marriage. For me marriage should be "y" ".

If you don't, then no wonder you may often argue and can't find a common language.

[Bricealan]

WOW! ..."WowwGirl... well I just looked at your picture and I LOVE YOU!

Now we have that out of the way, ... Honesty, commitment, and willingness to compromise on a lot of different things.

[WowwGirl]

Very sweet and great answer

[weysally]

humour is one factor, but its this give and take that is also important, and small things (no pun intended) like having some time on your own, and the age-old thing, talking to each other about any problems

[Potteplante]

The ability to let go.

Your partner is going to disappoint you, anger you, make you cry and your partner is going to be flawed. Falling in love might not always be a choice but choosing to love someone despite of all that is.

[Emiliamazing]

Trust. Habits change. Looks change. Desires change. Trust must be the constant. A distant second place is the ability to make each other laugh 😊